Child Safety
Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) is committed to creating an environment where the safety, wellbeing and participation of all children and young people is paramount. DOSCEL's Commitment Statement to Child Safety affirms our commitment to:
zero tolerance to child abuse
listen to and empower children and young people
keep children and young people safe.
Child Protection
Protection of children and young people is based upon the belief that each person is made in the image and likeness of God, and that the inherent dignity of all should be recognised and fostered.
DOSCEL is committed to child protection strategies and procedures to ensure the care, safety and protection of all children and young people in Catholic schools in the Diocese and safeguarding children and young people against sexual, physical, psychological and emotional abuse and/or neglect.
Victorian Child Safe Standards
DOSCEL is committed to complying with Ministerial Order No. 870: Child Safe Standards - Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools, and following the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
Child Safety also considers the diversity of all children, including (but not limited to) the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disabilities, and children who are vulnerable.
Prevention and Response
Preventing and responding to child abuse requires a whole of community response to bring about broad cultural change. To this end, the Victorian Child Safe Standards apply to a broad range of organisations that provide services for children, including schools, churches, sporting clubs and youth services.
Ensuring we have child safe communities goes to the heart of our faith and core purpose. Therefore, we are dedicated to upholding the values and practices that create safe learning environments for students.
Reporting and Contacts
There are a number of supports available when responding to incidents, disclosures or suspicions of child abuse.
Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited
Industrial Relations / Human Resources
Child Protection Officer
24 Hour Services
Victoria Police: 000
DHHS Child Protection: 131 278
Other Services
Australian Childhood Foundation: 1800 176 453
Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA): 1800 806 292
Commission for Children and Young People: 1300 782 978
MensLine Australia: 1300 787 978
Office of the eSafety Commissioner: 1800 880 176
Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation
Southern Metropolitan - Dandenong: (03) 8769 2200
Eastern Victoria - Bairnsdale: (03) 5150 2677
Eastern Victoria - Morwell: (03) 5120 0351
Eastern Victoria - Wonthaggi: (03) 5671 4100
Eastern Victoria - Sale: (03) 5142 2200
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA): (03) 9287 8800
Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation: (03) 9411 9411
Policies
Other Resources
Guide to Reporting Conduct Under the Reportable Conduct Scheme
PROTECT - Identifying and Responding to Student Sexual Offending
PROTECT - Identifying and Responding to All Forms of Abuse in Victorian Schools
FOUR CRITICAL ACTIONS FOR SCHOOLS Responding to Incidents, Disclosures and Suspicions of Child Abuse
Legislation
Ministerial Order No. 870: Child Safe Standards - Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools